The Emperor (IV)

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sun in Capricorn, embodying a sense of responsibility, order, structure, as well as security, consistency, and persistence.

THE EMPEROR. The Emperor is a structure-forming element; he symbolizes our striving for stability, security, and consistency. This is our striving for independence from the conditions of existence imposed by Nature and our own nature, which are often unpredictable. Thus, he corresponds to our striving for civilization, thanks to which we build ourselves homes, install heating and air conditioning in them to shield ourselves from heat, cold, and damp, create automobiles and aircraft to shorten distances and make travel more comfortable, and open schools to raise the level of education. Even the fact that much of this is done with excessive insistence does not negate for us the positive aspects possessed by this card, which is so often perceived allergically. The Emperor combines within himself not only the striving for order, a sober mind, discipline, a sense of responsibility, and pragmatism, but also their extremes — stubbornness, rigidity, the urge to "improve" everything without end, the thirst for power, and despotism.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from the German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Centre for Astrological Research, 1999.

4 — THE EMPEROR. Aries. The fourth card of the MAJOR ARCANA is called THE EMPEROR and is associated with the Great Divinity worshipped by the Pythagoreans in the form of the tetrad. The symbols indicate that the EMPEROR is the demiurge, the great King of the Lower World. The EMPEROR is clad in armour, and his throne is a throne of stone, upon which the phoenix is clearly visible. The KING sits with crossed legs (the symbol of sulphur — the sign of the ancient alchemical monarch) and holds either a sceptre topped with an orb, or a sceptre in his right hand and an orb in his left. The orb is a token that he is the chief ruler of the world. Upon the EMPEROR's chest are depicted the sun and moon (the symbolic eyes of the supreme Divinity). The "EMPEROR" of the spirit is that which takes place "here and now"; he is power and judgement — he is the resolve of man to go forth into the open cosmos, akin to resolving upon a leap into the abyss. The EMPEROR says: "I shall be that which I shall be." He sits upon a cubic stone and holds the orb of the world, and the two submissive lambs depicted upon his throne symbolize humility before that which they behold. In his right hand the EMPEROR holds a wand bearing the head of a lamb, indicating that he rules this world rightly, without committing the errors that might lead him to ruin. Like the lamb, by renouncing his lower "Self," he attains the higher "Self," and by this he wins for himself the right to assume an active stance in the outer world. Corresponding to the astrological sign of Aries, the EMPEROR embodies the principle of free will. The moral categories that serve the EMPEROR as supports are "sight" and "blindness." "Sight" helps him to see the world clearly and to perceive the consequences of his deeds, but this picture may also terrify him. When a man has sight, it is hard for him to resolve upon action, and when he does not see, he may commit errors that will afterwards bear upon not only his own destiny but the common one: for he is the EMPEROR. "Blindness," on the other hand, allows him not to notice the deficiencies and sufferings of the world brought about by the anarchic manifestations of our subjective "Self," and not to renounce his free will for the sake of future progress. To this same card belongs "speech," and the spirit teaches man to attach significance to every word and to handle them with care, because words are one of the means by which man creates reality. In the Crowley cards, beside the EMPEROR is depicted a coat of arms with kissing doves against the background of the rising Sun, the symbol of the Holy Spirit and of that selfless love which sends it forth. But the two lambs beside the EMPEROR are depicted alive: for they are two lambs given over to slaughter by Fate, and when love binds two people together, on account of the errors of one the other may suffer.

Upright position, the EMPEROR card speaks of will-power, signifies the logical nature of one's actions, the attainment of a goal, the rightness of the chosen path. It may symbolize successes (in public affairs, at work, at home), fatherhood, and in some cases — security, the stabilization of one's situation, legal income. The card may represent mature people of stable standing in society, possessing the power of persuasion and the capacity to influence others. It signifies authority, self-control — a "strong personality," in whom reason clearly prevails over emotions and passions. It may also speak of the fact that you are in search of wisdom (or that you ought to be so engaged)... Furthermore, this position may symbolize civic authority, prospect.

Reversed position, the EMPEROR card symbolizes the denial of authorities, an unwillingness to take part in the lives of other people (which is sometimes likewise true), the failure to fulfil one's obligations (in particular paternal ones), the disregard of all that is lawful, ordered, and courteous, the inability to bridle one's own faults and vices. Sometimes — it is a manifest dependence upon strong, authoritative people. Such a position of the card may also signal that there is in your life someone who has subjected you wholly to himself. You lack the energy even to resolve insignificant problems, and you are incapable of controlling the most trifling emotions. This position may warn you of failures at work, of the presence of forces hindering the development of affairs. In the general spread the card also speaks of the fact that one must show wisdom. It may likewise testify to an excess of such a quality as arrogance.

"The fulfilment of your hopes depends upon a 'powerful' person, rather than upon yourself. Endeavour to discover who he is, to enter into contact with him, and you will receive his support." Papus